®

VENT-FREE NATURAL GAS HEATER

OWNER’S OPERATION AND INSTALLATION MANUAL

Models: VN6B and VN12A

WARNING: If the information in this manual is not followed exactly, a fire or

explosion may result causing property damage, personal injury, or loss of life.
— Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids in the
vicinity of this or any other appliance.
— WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS
• Do not try to light any appliance.
• Do not touch any electrical switch; do not use any phone in your building.
• Immediately call your gas supplier from a neighbor’s phone. Follow the
gas supplier’s instructions.
• If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire department.
— Installation and service must be performed by a qualified installer, service
agency, or the gas supplier.

Save this manual for future reference.

 CONTENTS SECTION PAGE
Safety Information ......................................................................... 2
Product Identification .................................................................... 4
Local Codes ................................................................................... 4
Unpacking ...................................................................................... 4
Product Features ............................................................................ 4
Fresh Air For Combustion And Ventilation .................................. 5
Installing To Wall .......................................................................... 9
Connecting To Gas Supply ............................................................ 13
Checking Gas Connections ............................................................ 14
Operating Heater ........................................................................... 16
Inspecting Burner .......................................................................... 19
Cleaning And Maintenance ........................................................... 20
Troubleshooting ............................................................................. 21
Technical Service .......................................................................... 24
Specifications ................................................................................ 24
Service Hints ................................................................................. 25
Replacement Parts ......................................................................... 25
Service Publications ...................................................................... 25
Accessory ...................................................................................... 25
Parts List (Model VN6B) .............................................................. 26
Illustrated Parts Breakdown (Model VN6B) ................................. 26
Parts List (Model VN12A) ............................................................ 27
Illustrated Parts Breakdown (Model VN12A) ............................... 27
Warranty Information .................................................................... Back Cover

SAFETY WARNINGS
INFORMATION
WARNING ICON G 001

IMPORTANT: Read this Owner’s Manual carefully and completely

before trying to assemble, operate, or service this heater. Improper
use of this heater can cause serious injury or death from burns, fire,
explosion, and carbon monoxide poisoning.

WARNING ICON G 001

DANGER
Carbon monoxide poisoning may lead to death!
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning
resemble the flu, with headaches, dizziness, or nausea. If you have these signs, the
heater may not be working properly. Get fresh air at once! Have heater serviced.
Some people are more affected by carbon monoxide than others. These include
pregnant women, persons with heart or lung disease or anemia, those under the
influence of alcohol, and those at high altitudes.
Natural Gas: Natural gas is odorless. An odor-making agent is added to natural
gas. The odor helps you detect a natural gas leak. However, the odor added to
natural gas can fade. Natural gas may be present even though no odor exists.
Make certain you read and understand all Warnings. Keep this manual for
reference. It is your guide to safe and proper operation of this heater.

Safety Information continued on next page

2
100845
 SAFETY WARNING ICON G 001
WARNINGS Continued
INFORMATION WARNING: Any change to this heater or its controls can be dangerous.
Continued 1. Use only natural gas. Do not convert heater to use different fuel type.
2. If you smell gas
• shut off gas supply
• do not try to light any appliance
• do not touch any electrical switch; do not use any phone in your building
• immediately call your gas supplier from a neighbor’s phone. Follow the
gas supplier’s instructions
• if you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire department
3. This heater shall not be installed in a bedroom or bathroom (VN12A - input
12,000 BTUs).
4. Never install the heater
• in a recreational vehicle
• where curtains, furniture, clothing, or other flammable objects are less than
36 inches from the front, top, or sides of the heater
• as a fireplace insert
• in high traffic areas
• in windy or drafty areas
5. Always run heater with control knob at LOW or HIGH locked positions
(VN12A) or ON position (VN6B). Never set control knob between locked
positions. Poor combustion and higher levels of carbon monoxide may result.
6. This heater needs fresh, outside air ventilation to run properly. This heater has
an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) pilot light safety system. The ODS shuts
down the heater if not enough fresh air is available. See Fresh Air for Combus-
tion and Ventilation, pages 5 through 8.
7. Never run heater in small, closed room. Open door into next room to help ventilate.
8. Keep all air openings in front and bottom of heater clear and free of debris.
This will insure enough air for proper combustion.
9. If heater shuts off, do not relight until you provide fresh, outside air. If heater
keeps shutting off, have it serviced.
10. Do not run heater
• where flammable liquids or vapors are used or stored
• under dusty conditions
11. Never place any objects on the heater.
12. Surface of heater becomes very hot when running heater. Keep children and
adults away from hot surface to avoid burns or clothing ignition. Heater will
remain hot for a time after shut-down. Allow surface to cool before touching.
13. Carefully supervise young children when they are in same room with heater.
14. Make sure grill guard is in place before running heater.
15. Do not use heater if any part has been under water. Immediately call a quali-
fied service technician to inspect the room heater and to replace any part of the
control system and any gas control which has been under water.
16. Turn off heater and let cool before servicing. Only a qualified service person
should service and repair heater.
17. Operating heater above elevations of 4,500 feet may cause pilot outage.

3
100845
 Piezo Ignitor Button
PRODUCT Control Knob
IDENTIFICATION

Grill
Guard

Burners

Heater
Front
Cabinet
Panel

Figure 1 - Vent-Free Natural Gas Heater (Model VN12A Shown)

LOCAL CODES Install and use heater with care. Follow all local codes. In the absence of local
codes, use the latest edition of National Fuel Gas Code ANSI Z223.1, also known
as NFPA 54*.

*Available from:
American National Standards Institute, Inc.
1430 Broadway
New York, NY 10018

National Fire Protection Association, Inc.

Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02269

UNPACKING 1. Remove heater from carton.

2. Remove all protective packaging applied to heater for shipment.
3. Check heater for any shipping damage. If heater is damaged, promptly inform
dealer where you bought heater.

PRODUCT Safety Device

This heater has a pilot with an Oxygen Depletion Sensor Shutoff System (ODS).
FEATURES The ODS/pilot is a required feature for vent-free room heaters. The ODS/pilot shuts
off the heater if there is not enough fresh air.

Piezo Ignition System

This heater has a piezo ignitor. This system requires no matches, batteries, or other
sources to light heater.

4
100845
 FRESH AIR WARNING ICON G 001
WARNING
FOR This heater must have fresh air for proper operation. If not, poor
fuel combustion could result. Read the following instructions to
COMBUSTION insure proper fresh air for this and other fuel-burning appliances
AND in your home.

VENTILATION Today’s homes are built more energy efficient than ever. New materials, increased
insulation, and new construction methods help reduce heat loss in homes. Home
owners weather strip and caulk around windows and doors to keep the cold air out
and the warm air in. During heating months, home owners want their homes as
airtight as possible.
While it is good to make your home energy efficient, your home needs to breathe.
Fresh air must enter your home. All fuel-burning appliances need fresh air for
proper combustion and ventilation.
Exhaust fans, fireplaces, clothes dryers, and fuel burning appliances draw air from
the house to operate. You must provide adequate fresh air for these appliances.
This will insure proper venting of vented fuel-burning appliances.

PRODUCING ADEQUATE VENTILATION

All spaces in homes fall into one of the three following ventilation classifications:
1. Unusually Tight Contruction; 2. Unconfined Space; 3. Confined Space.
The information on pages 5 through 8 will help you classify your space and provide
adequate ventilation.

Unusually Tight Construction

The air that leaks around doors and windows may provide enough fresh air for
combustion and ventilation. However, in buildings of unusually tight construction,
you must provide additional fresh air.
Unusually tight construction is defined as construction where:
a. walls and ceilings exposed to the outside atmosphere have a continu-
ous water vapor retarder with a rating of one perm or less with open-
ings gasketed or sealed and
b. weather stripping has been added on openable windows and doors and
c. caulking or sealants are applied to areas such as joints around window
and door frames, between sole plates and floors, between wall-ceiling
joints, between wall panels, at penetrations for plumbing, electrical, and
gas lines, and at other openings.
If your home meets all of the three criteria above, you must provide addi-
tional fresh air. See Ventilation Air From Outdoors, page 8.
If your home does not meet all of the three criteria above, continue reading.
Unconfined Space
An unconfined space has a minimum air volume of 50 cubic feet for each 1000
BTU/Hr input rating of all appliances in the space (cubic feet equals length x
width x height of space). Include adjoining rooms only if there are doorless
passageways or ventilation grills between the rooms.

Confined Space
A confined space has an air volume of less than 50 cubic feet for each 1000
BTU/Hr input rating of all appliances in the space (cubic feet equals length x
width x height of space). Include adjoining rooms only if there are doorless
passageways or ventilation grills between the rooms. Continued 5
100845
 FRESH AIR DETERMINING FRESH-AIR FLOW FOR HEATER LOCATION
Determining if You Have a Confined or Unconfined Space
FOR Use this worksheet to determine if you have a confined or unconfined space.
COMBUSTION Space: Includes the room in which you will install heater plus any adjoining rooms with
AND doorless passageways or ventilation grills between the rooms.
1. Determine the volume of the space (length x width x height).
VENTILATION
Length x Width x Height = ___________________ cu. ft. (volume of space)
Continued Example: Space size 18 ft. (length) x 16 ft. (width) x 8 ft. (ceiling height) =
2304 cu. ft. (volume of space)
If additional ventilation to adjoining room is supplied with grills or openings, add the
volume of these rooms to the total volume of the space.
2. Divide the space volume by 50 cubic feet to determine the maximum BTU/Hr the space
can support.
____________ (volume of space) ÷ 50 cu. ft. = (Maximum BTU/Hr
the space can support)
Example: 2304 cu. ft. (volume of space) ÷ 50 cu. ft. = 46.1 or 46,100 (maximum
BTU/Hr the space can support)
3. Add the BTU/Hr of all fuel burning appliances in the space.
Vent-free heater ___________________ BTU/Hr
Gas water heater* ___________________ BTU/Hr
Gas furnace ___________________ BTU/Hr
Vented gas heater ___________________ BTU/Hr
Gas fireplace logs ___________________ BTU/Hr
Other gas appliances* + ___________________ BTU/Hr
Total = ___________________ BTU/Hr
Example: Gas water heater 40,000 BTU/Hr
Vent-free heater + 10,000 BTU/Hr
Total = 50,000 BTU/Hr
* Do not include direct-vent gas appliances. Direct-vent draws combustion air from the
outdoors and vents to the outdoors.
4. Compare the maximum BTU/Hr the space can support with the actual amount of BTU/
Hr used.
_________________ BTU/Hr (maximum the space can support)
_________________ BTU/Hr (actual amount of BTU/Hr used)
Example: 46,100 BTU/Hr (maximum the space can support)
50,000 BTU/Hr (actual amount of BTU/Hr used)
The space in the above example is a confined space because the actual BTU/Hr used is
more than the maximum BTU/Hr the space can support. You must provide additional fresh
air. Your options are as follows:
A. Rework worksheet, adding the space of an adjoining room. If the extra space provides
an unconfined space, remove door to adjoining room or add ventilation grills between
rooms. See Ventilation Air From Inside Building, page 7.
B. Vent room directly to the outdoors. See Ventilation Air From Outdoors, page 8.
C. Install a lower BTU/Hr heater, if lower BTU/Hr size makes room unconfined.
If the actual BTU/Hr used is less than the maximum BTU/Hr the space can support, the
space is an unconfined space. You will need no additional fresh air ventilation.

WARNING ICON G 001

WARNING
You must provide additional ventilation air in a confined space.
6
100845
 FRESH AIR VENTILATION AIR
Ventilation Air From Inside Building
FOR This fresh air would come from an adjoining unconfined space. When ventilating to an
COMBUSTION adjoining unconfined space, you must provide two permanent openings: one within 12" of the
ceiling and one within 12" of the floor on the wall connecting the two spaces (see options 1 and
AND 2, Figure 2). You can also remove door into adjoining room (see option 3, Figure 2).

VENTILATION
Continued WARNING ICON G 001
WARNING
Rework worksheet, adding the space of the adjoining unconfined
space. The combined spaces must have enough fresh air to supply all
appliances in both spaces.

12"

Ventilation Grills
Into Adjoining Room,
Ventilation Option 2
Grills Or
into Adjoining Remove
Room, Door into
Option 1 Adjoining
Room,
Option 3

12"

Figure 2 - Ventilation Air from Inside Building

Continued

7
100845
 FRESH AIR VENTILATION AIR (Continued)
Ventilation Air From Outdoors
FOR Provide extra fresh air by using ventilation grills or ducts. You must provide two perma-
COMBUSTION nent openings: one within 12" of the ceiling and one within 12" of the floor. Connect these
items directly to the outdoors or spaces open to the outdoors. These spaces include attics
AND and crawl spaces. Follow the National Fuel Gas Code NFPA 54/ANSI Z223.1, Section 5.3,
Air for Combustion and Ventilation for required size of ventilation grills or ducts.
VENTILATION
IMPORTANT: Do not provide openings for inlet or outlet air into attic if attic has a thermo-
Continued stat-controlled power vent. Heated air entering the attic will activate the power vent.

Ventilated
Outlet Attic
Air

Outlet
Air
To Attic

To
Crawl
Space
Inlet
Air

Inlet Air Ventilated

Crawl Space

Figure 3 - Ventilation Air from Outdoors

8
100845
 INSTALLING NOTICE
TO WALL A qualified service person must install heater. Follow all local codes.

CHECK GAS TYPE

Use only natural gas. If your gas supply is not natural, do not install heater. Call
dealer where you bought heater for proper type heater.
INSTALLATION ITEMS
Before installing heater, make sure you have the items listed below.
• piping (check local codes) • test gauge connection * (see
• sealant (resistant to propane gas) Figure 12, page 14)
• manual shutoff valve * • sediment trap
• ground joint union • tee joint
• pipe wrench
* An A.G.A. design-certified manual shutoff valve with 1/8" NPT tap is an acceptable
alternative to test gauge connection. Purchase the optional A.G.A. design-certified
manual shutoff valve from your dealer. See Accessory, page 25.
LOCATING HEATER
This heater is designed to be mounted on a wall.

WARNING ICON G 001

WARNING
Maintain the minimum clearances shown in Figure 4 (page 10). If
you can, provide greater clearances from floor, ceiling, and join-
ing wall.

WARNING ICON G 001

WARNING
Never install the heater
• in a bedroom or bathroom (VN12A)
• in a recreational vehicle
• where curtains, furniture, clothing, or other flammable objects are
less than 36 inches from the front, top, or sides of the heater
• as a fireplace insert
• in high traffic areas
• in windy or drafty areas

WARNING ICON G 001

CAUTION
This heater creates warm air currents. These currents move heat
to wall surfaces next to heater. Installing heater next to vinyl or
cloth wall coverings or operating heater where impurities in the air
(such as tobacco smoke) exist, may discolor walls.

IMPORTANT: Vent-free heaters add moisture to the air. Although this is beneficial, in-
stalling heater in rooms without enough ventilation air may cause mildew to form from
too much moisture. See Fresh Air for Combustion and Ventilation, pages 5 through 8.

WARNING ICON G 001

CAUTION
If you install the heater in a home garage
• heater pilot and burner must be at least 18 inches above floor
• locate heater where moving vehicle will not hit it
Continued
9
100845
 INSTALLING For convenience and efficiency, install heater
• where there is easy access for operation, inspection, and service
TO WALL • in coldest part of room
CEILING
Continued

36"
Minimum
8"
Minimum
From
Sides Of
Heater

Right
Left Side
Side

3" Minimum To Top Surface

Of Carpeting, Tile Or Other
Combustible Material
FLOOR
Figure 4 - Mounting Clearances As Viewed From Front of Heater
INSTALLING HEATER TO WALL
Marking Screw Locations
1. Determine where you will locate heater.

WARNING ICON G 001 WARNING

Maintain minimum clearances shown in Figure 5. If you can,
provide greater clearances from floor and joining wall.

2. Mark two mounting screw locations on wall (see Figure 5).

10 7/8" 7 3/4"
Minimum To
Maintain 8"
Clearance
From Wall
JOINING WALL

Mounting 20 1/4"
Screw Minimum To
Locations Maintain 3"
Clearance
From Floor

FLOOR
Figure 5 - Mounting Screw Locations
10
100845
 INSTALLING Installing Two Mounting Screws
Note: Wall anchors and mounting screws are in hardware package. The hardware
TO WALL package is provided with heater.
Continued Attaching to wall stud method
For attaching mounting screw to wall stud
1. Drill hole at marked location using 9/64" drill bit.
2. Insert mounting screw into wall stud.
3. Tighten screw until 1/16" space (thickness of penny) is between screwhead and
wall.

Attaching to wall anchor method

Follow instructions below to attach mounting screws to hollow walls (wall areas
between studs) or solid walls (concrete or masonry).
1. Drill holes at marked locations using 5/16" drill bit. For solid walls (concrete or
masonry), drill at least 1 1/4" deep.
2. Fold wall anchor (see Figure 6).

Figure 6 - Folding Anchor

3. Insert wall anchor (wings first) into hole. Tap anchor flush to wall.
4. For thin walls (1/2" or less), insert red key into wall anchor. Push red key to
“pop” open anchor wings (see Figure 7). IMPORTANT: Do not hammer key!
For thick walls (over 1/2" thick) or solid walls, do not pop open wings.

Thin Walls
(1/4" to 1/2" thick)

Figure 7 - Popping Open Anchor Wings For Thin Walls

5. Tighten two screws until 1/16" space (thickness of penny) is between

screwheads and wall (see Figure 8).

Thin or Thick Wall

(thick wall shown)

1/16" Space

Solid Wall

ANCHOR
Figure 8 - Tightening Anchors

Continued
11
100845
 INSTALLING Placing Heater On Mounting Screws
1. Locate two keyhole slots on back panel of heater (see Figure 9).
TO WALL 2. Place large openings of slots over screwheads. Slide heater down until screws
are in small portion of slots.
Continued

Keyhole Slots

Figure 9 - Location Of Keyhole Slots On Back Panel Of Heater

Removing Front Panel Of Heater

1. Remove two screws near bottom corners of front panel.
2. Lift straight up on grill guard until it stops. Grill guard will slide up about 1/4".
3. Pull bottom of front panel forward, then down.

Figure 10 - Removing Front Panel Of Heater

Installing Bottom Mounting Screw
1. Locate bottom mounting hole. This hole is near bottom on back panel of heater
(see Figure 11).
2. Mark screw location on wall.
3. Remove heater from wall.
4. If installing bottom mounting screw into hollow or solid wall, install wall anchor.
Follow steps 1 through 5 under Attaching To Wall Anchor Method, page 11.
If installing bottom mounting screw into wall stud, drill hole at marked location
using 9/64" drill bit.
5. Replace heater on wall.
6. Insert bottom anchor screw through back panel into bottom anchor or drilled
hole (see Figure 11).
7. Tighten screw until heater is firmly secured to wall. Do not over tighten.
Note: Do not replace front panel at this time. Replace front panel after making
gas connections and checking for leaks (see pages 13-15).

12 Figure 11 - Installing Bottom Mounting Screw

100845
 CONNECTING NOTICE
TO GAS A qualified service person must connect heater to gas supply.
Follow all local codes.
SUPPLY
WARNING ICON G 001
WARNING
Never connect heater to private (non-utility) gas wells. This gas is
commonly known as well-head gas.
IMPORTANT: Check gas line pressure before connecting heater to gas line. Gas line
pressure must be no greater than 14 inches of water. If gas line pressure is higher,
heater regulator damage could occur.

WARNING ICON G 001

CAUTION
Use only new, black iron or steel pipe. Internally-tinned copper
tubing may be used in certain areas. Check your local codes. Use
pipe 3/8" diameter or greater to allow proper gas volume to heater.
If pipe is too small, undue loss of pressure will occur.

Installation must include a manual shutoff valve, ground joint union, and plugged
1/8" NPT tap. Locate NPT tap within reach for test gauge hook up. NPT tap must
be upstream from heater (see Figure 12, page 14).

Apply pipe joint sealant lightly to male threads. This will prevent excess sealant
from going into pipe. Excess sealant in pipe could result in clogged heater valves.

WARNING ICON G 001

CAUTION
Use pipe joint sealant that is resistant to liquid petroleum (LP) gas.

Install sediment trap in supply line as shown in Figure 12, page 14. Locate sediment
trap where it is within reach for cleaning. Locate sediment trap where trapped
matter is not likely to freeze. A sediment trap traps moisture and contaminants. This
keeps them from going into heater controls. If sediment trap is not installed or is
installed wrong, heater may not run properly.

Continued

13
100845
 CONNECTING IMPORTANT: Hold pressure regulator with wrench when connecting it to gas piping
and/or fittings.
TO GAS
SUPPLY
Continued
Pressure
Regulator
3/8" NPT
Pipe Nipple Heater
Cabinet
Ground Joint
Union
Manual
Shutoff Tee Joint
Valve *
Reducer Test
Bushing to Gauge
1/8" NPT Connection *
From
Gas Meter 1/8" NPT
(4" W.C. to Plug Tap
10.5" W.C.
Tee
Pressure) Joint
Sediment
3" Minimum Pipe Trap
Nipple
Cap
Figure 12 - Gas Connection

* An A.G.A. design-certified manual shutoff valve with 1/8" NPT tap is an acceptable
alternative to test gauge connection. Purchase the optional A.G.A. design-certified
manual shutoff valve from your dealer. See Accessory, page 25.

CHECKING WARNING ICON G 001

WARNING
GAS Test all gas piping and connections for leaks after installing or
servicing. Correct all leaks at once.
CONNECTIONS
WARNING ICON G 001
WARNING
Never use an open flame to check for a leak. Apply a mixture of
liquid soap and water to all joints. Bubbles forming show a leak.
Correct all leaks at once.

PRESSURE TESTING GAS SUPPLY PIPING SYSTEM

Test Pressures In Excess Of 1/2 PSIG
1. Disconnect heater and its individual manual shutoff valve from gas supply
piping system. Pressures in excess of 1/2 PSIG will damage heater regulator.
2. Cap off open end of gas pipe where manual shutoff valve was connected.
3. Pressurize supply piping system by either using compressed air or
opening main gas valve located on or near gas meter.

14
100845
 4. Check all joints of gas supply piping system. Apply mixture of liquid soap and
CHECKING water to gas joints. Bubbles forming show a leak.
GAS 5. Correct all leaks at once.

CONNECTIONS Test Pressures Equal To or Less Than 1/2 PSIG

Continued 1. Close manual shutoff valve (see Figure 13).
2. Pressurize supply piping system by either using compressed air or opening main
gas valve located on or near gas meter.
3. Check all joints from gas meter to manual shutoff valve (see Figure 14). Apply
mixture of liquid soap and water to gas joints. Bubbles forming show a leak.
4. Correct all leaks at once.

PRESSURE TESTING HEATER GAS CONNECTIONS

1. Open manual shutoff valve (see Figure 13).
2. Open main gas valve located on or near gas meter.
3. Make sure control knob of heater is in the OFF position.
4. Check all joints from manual shutoff valve to control valve (see Figure 14).
Apply mixture of liquid soap and water to gas joints. Bubbles forming show a
leak.
5. Correct all leaks at once.
6. Light heater (see Operating Heater, pages 16 through 19). Check all other
internal joints for leaks.
7. Turn off heater (see To Turn Off Gas to Appliance, page 19).
8. Replace front panel.
ON
Open
POSITION

Manual
Shutoff
Valve

OFF
Closed
POSITION

Figure 13 - Manual Shutoff Valve

Control Valve Location

Gas Meter

Manual
Shutoff
Valve

Figure 14 - Checking Gas Joints

15
100845
 OPERATING FOR YOUR SAFETY READ BEFORE LIGHTING
HEATER
WARNING ICON G 001 WARNING
If you do not follow these instructions exactly, a fire or
explosion may result causing property damage, personal
injury or loss of life.

A. This appliance has a pilot which must be lighted by hand. When lighting
the pilot, follow these instructions exactly.

B. BEFORE LIGHTING smell all around the appliance area for gas. Be sure
to smell next to the floor because some gas is heavier than air and will
settle on the floor.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS

• Do not try to light any appliance.
• Do not touch any electric switch; do not use any phone in your building.
• Immediately call your gas supplier from a neighbor’s phone. Follow
the gas supplier’s instructions.
• If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire department.

C. Use only your hand to push in or turn the gas control knob. Never use
tools. If the knob will not push in or turn by hand, don’t try to repair it,
call a qualified service technician or gas supplier. Force or attempted
repair may result in a fire or explosion.

D. Do not use this appliance if any part has been under water. Immediately
call a qualified service technician to inspect the appliance and to replace
any part of the control system and any gas control which has been under
water.

LIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS
1. STOP! Read the safety information above.

2. Make sure manual shutoff valve is fully open.

3. Turn control knob clockwise Clockwise to the OFF position.

Piezo Ignitor Button

Control Knob

PILOT OFF

IGNITOR LOW

HIGH

Figure 15 - Control Knob In The OFF Position (Model VN12A Shown)

16
100845
 OPERATING 4. Wait five (5) minutes to clear out any gas. Then smell for gas, including
near the floor. If you smell gas, STOP! Follow “B” in the safety information
HEATER at the top of page 16. If you don’t smell gas, go to the next step.
Continued
5. Press in control knob, and turn counterclockwise to pilot position.
C-clockwise

Keep control knob pressed for five seconds.

Note: You may be running this heater for the first time after hooking up
to gas supply. If so, the control knob may need to be pressed in for 30
seconds. This will allow air to bleed from the gas system.
• If control knob does not pop up when released, contact a qualified
service person or gas supplier for repairs.

6. With control knob pressed in, push down and release ignitor button. This
will light pilot. The pilot is attached to the front of burner. If needed, keep
pressing ignitor button until pilot lights.

Note: If pilot does not light, refer to Troubleshooting, pages 21 through

24. Also contact a qualified service person or gas supplier for repairs.
Until repairs are made, light pilot with match. To light pilot with match,
see Manual Lighting Procedure, page 19.

Ignitor Electrode

Pilot Burner
Thermocouple

Figure 16 - Pilot

7. Keep control knob pressed in for 10 seconds after lighting pilot. After 10
seconds, release control knob.
Note: If pilot goes out, repeat steps 3 through 7.

Continued
17
100845
 OPERATING TO SELECT HEATING LEVEL
HEATER
Continued WARNING ICON G 001
WARNING
When running heater, set control knob at LOW or HIGH
locked positions (VN12A) or ON position (VN6B). Never set
control knob between locked positions. Poor combustion and
higher levels of carbon monoxide may result.

WARNING ICON G 001

CAUTION
Do not try to adjust heating levels by using the manual
shutoff valve.

1. Slightly press in control knob and turn counterclockwise to the C-clockwise

LOW or HIGH positions (VN12A) or ON position (VN6B).

IMPORTANT: Release downward pressure while turning control knob.
Control knob will lock at the desired position.

Control VN12A Control VN6B

Knob Burners Knob Burner

OFF OFF

PILOT PILOT

LOW ON

OFF OFF

PILOT

HIGH

OFF

Figure 17 - Burner Patterns

18
100845
 OPERATING TO TURN OFF GAS TO APPLIANCE
HEATER Shutting Off Heater
Continued 1. Turn control knob clockwise Clockwise
to the OFF position.
Shutting Off Burner Only (pilot stays lit)
1. Turn control knob clockwise Clockwise to the PILOT position.

MANUAL LIGHTING PROCEDURE

1. Remove front panel (see Figure 10, page 12).
2. Follow steps 1 through 5 under Lighting Instructions, pages 16 and 17.
3. With control knob pressed in, strike match. Hold match to pilot until pilot
lights.
4. Keep control knob pressed in for 10 seconds after pilot is lit. After 10
seconds, release control knob.
5. Replace front panel.

INSPECTING Check pilot flame pattern and burner flame pattern often.

BURNER PILOT FLAME PATTERN

Figure 18 shows a correct pilot flame pattern. Figure 19 shows an incorrect pilot
flame pattern. The incorrect pilot flame is not touching the thermocouple. This will
cause the thermocouple to cool. When the thermocouple cools, the heater will shut
down.

Pilot Burner
Thermocouple

GOOD PILOT GRH/OV 009

Figure 18 - Correct Pilot Flame Pattern

Pilot Burner
Thermocouple

BAD PILOT GRH/OV 010

Figure 19 - Incorrect Pilot Flame Pattern

If pilot flame pattern is incorrect, as shown in Figure 19

• turn heater off (see To Turn Off Gas to Appliance, above)
• see Troubleshooting, pages 21 through 24

Continued 19
100845
 INSPECTING BURNER FLAME PATTERN
Figure 20 shows a correct burner flame pattern. Figure 21 shows an incorrect
BURNER burner flame pattern.
Continued

Figure 20 - Correct Burner Flame Pattern (Model VN12A Shown)

Figure 21 - Incorrect Burner Flame Pattern (Model VN12A Shown)

If burner flame pattern is incorrect, as shown in Figure 21

• turn heater off (see To Turn Off Gas to Appliance, page 19)
• see Troubleshooting, pages 21 through 24

CLEANING WARNING ICON G 001

WARNING
AND Turn off heater and let cool before cleaning.
MAINTENANCE
WARNING ICON G 001
CAUTION
You must keep control areas, burner, and circulating air
passageways of heater clean. Inspect these areas of heater before
each use. Have heater inspected yearly by a qualified service
person. Heater may need more frequent cleaning due to excessive
lint from carpeting, bedding material, etc.

ODS/PILOT AND BURNER ORIFICE

• Use a vacuum cleaner, pressurized air, or small, soft bristled brush to clean.

CABINET
Air Passageways
• Use a vacuum cleaner or pressurized air to clean.
Exterior
• Use a soft cloth dampened with a mild soap and water mixture. Wipe the
cabinet to remove dust.

20
100845
 TROUBLE- WARNING ICON G 001
WARNING
SHOOTING Turn off heater and let cool before servicing. Only a qualified
service person should service and repair heater.
Note: All troubleshooting
items are listed in order of
operation. WARNING ICON G 001
CAUTION
Never use a wire, needle, or similar object to clean ODS/pilot. This
can damage ODS/pilot unit.

OBSERVED POSSIBLE
PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY

When ignitor button 1. Ignitor electrode posi- 1. Replace ignitor

is pressed and control tioned wrong
knob is pressed in 2. Ignitor electrode broken 2. Replace ignitor
and turned to the 3. Ignitor electrode not 3. Reconnect ignitor cable
PILOT position, connected to ignitor
there is no spark at cable
ODS/pilot 4. Ignitor cable pinched or 4. Free ignitor cable if
wet pinched by any metal or
tubing. Keep ignitor
cable dry
5. Piezo ignitor nut is loose 5. Tighten nut holding
piezo ignitor to heater
cabinet. Nut is located
inside heater cabinet at
top.
6. Broken ignitor cable 6. Replace ignitor cable
7. Bad piezo ignitor 7. Replace control valve
(piezo is part of control
valve)

When ignitor button 1. Gas supply turned off or 1. Turn on gas supply or
is pressed and control manual shutoff valve open manual shutoff
knob is pressed in closed valve
and turned to the 2. Control knob not in 2. Turn control knob to
PILOT position, PILOT position PILOT position
there is spark at 3. Control knob not pressed 3. Press in control knob
ODS/pilot but no in while in PILOT while in PILOT position
ignition position
4. Air in gas lines when 4. Continue holding down
installed control knob. Repeat
igniting operation until
air is removed
5. ODS/pilot is clogged 5. Clean ODS/pilot (see
Cleaning and Mainte-
nance, page 20) or
replace ODS/pilot
assembly
6. Gas regulator setting is 6. Replace gas regulator
not correct
Continued
21
100845
 TROUBLE- OBSERVED POSSIBLE
PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY
SHOOTING
Continued ODS/pilot lights but 1. Control knob not fully 1. Press in control knob
flame goes out when pressed in fully
control knob is 2. Control knob not 2. After ODS/pilot lights,
released pressed in long enough keep control knob
pressed in 10 seconds
3. Manual shutoff valve 3. Fully open manual
not fully open shut-off valve
4. Thermocouple connec- 4. Hand tighten until
tion loose at control snug, then tighten 1/4
valve turn more
5. Pilot flame not touch- 5. A) Contact local
ing thermocouple, natural gas company
which allows thermo-
couple to cool, causing B) Clean ODS/pilot
pilot flame to go out. (see Cleaning and
This problem could be Maintenance, page 20)
caused by one or both or replace ODS/pilot
of the following: assembly
A) Low gas pressure
B) Dirty or partially
clogged ODS/pilot
6. Thermocouple dam- 6. Replace thermocouple
aged
7. Control valve damaged 7. Replace control valve

Burner(s) does not 1. Burner orifice(s) is 1. Clean burner orifice(s)

light after ODS/pilot clogged (see Cleaning and
is lit Maintenance, page 20)
or replace burner
orifice(s)
2. Burner orifice(s) 2. Replace burner
diameter is too small orifice(s)
3. Inlet gas pressure is 3. Contact local natural
too low gas company

Delayed ignition of 1. Manifold pressure is 1. Contact local natural

burner(s) too low gas company
2. Burner orifice(s) is 2. Clean burner orifice(s)
clogged (see Cleaning and
Maintenance, page 20)
or replace burner
orifice(s)

Burner backfiring 1. Burner orifice(s) is 1. Clean burner orifice(s)

during combustion clogged or damaged (see Cleaning and
Maintenance, page 20)
or replace burner
orifice(s)
2. Burner damaged 2. Replace burner
3. Gas regulator defective 3. Replace gas regulator
22
100845
 TROUBLE- OBSERVED POSSIBLE
CAUSE
PROBLEM REMEDY
SHOOTING
Continued Burner plaque(s) does 1. Plaque damaged 1. Replace burner
not glow 2. Inlet gas pressure is 2. Contact local natural
too low gas company
3. Control knob set 3. Turn control knob until
between locked it locks at desired
positions setting

Slight smoke or odor 1. Residues from manu- 1. Problem will stop after
during initial opera- facturing processes a few hours of opera-
tion tion

Heater produces a 1. Metal expanding while 1. This is common with

clicking/ticking noise heating or contracting most heaters. If noise is
just after burner is lit while cooling excessive, contact
or shut off qualified service person

WARNING ICON G 001

WARNING
If you smell gas
• Shut off gas supply.
• Do not try to light any appliance.
• Do not touch any electrical switch; do not use
any phone in your building.
• Immediately call your gas supplier from a
neighbor’s phone. Follow the gas supplier’s
instructions.
• If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the
fire department.

IMPORTANT: Operating heater where impurities in air exist may create odors.
Cleaning supplies, paint, paint remover, cigarette smoke, cements and glues, new
carpet or textiles, etc., create fumes. These fumes may mix with combustion air and
create odors.

Heater produces 1. Heater burning vapors 1. Ventilate room. Stop

unwanted odors from paint, hair spray, using odor-causing
glues, etc. See IMPOR- products while heater is
TANT statement above running
2. Gas leak. See Warn- 2. Locate and correct all
ing statement leaks (see Checking Gas
above Connections, page 14)

Heater shuts off in 1. Not enough fresh air is 1. Open window and/or
use (ODS operates) available door for ventilation
2. Low line pressure 2. Contact local natural
gas company
3. ODS/pilot is partially 3. Clean ODS/pilot (see
clogged Cleaning and Mainte-
nance, page 20)

Continued
23
100845
 TROUBLE- WARNING ICON G 001
WARNING
SHOOTING If you smell gas
• Shut off gas supply.
Continued • Do not try to light any appliance.
• Do not touch any electrical switch; do not use
any phone in your building.
• Immediately call your gas supplier from a
neighbor’s phone. Follow the gas supplier’s
instructions.
• If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the
fire department.

OBSERVED POSSIBLE
PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY

Gas odor even when 1. Gas leak. See Warn- 1. Locate and correct all
control knob is in ing statement at leaks (see Checking
OFF position top of page Gas Connections, page
14)
2. Control valve defec- 2. Replace control valve
tive

Gas odor during 1. Foreign matter be- 1. Take apart gas tubing
combustion tween control valve and remove foreign
and burner matter
2. Gas leak. See Warn- 2. Locate and correct all
ing statement at leaks (see Checking
top of page Gas Connections, page
14)

TECHNICAL You may have further questions about installation, operation, or troubleshooting.
If so, contact DESA International’s Technical Service Department at 1-800-323-
SERVICE 5190.

SPECIFICATIONS VN12A VN6B

BTU (Variable) 6,000/12,000 6,000
Type Gas Natural Only Natural Only
Ignition Piezo Piezo
Pressure Regulator Setting 3" W.C. 3" W.C.
Inlet Gas Pressure (inches of water)
Maximum 10.5" 10.5"
Minimum 4" 4"
Dimensions, Inches (H x W x D)
Heater 20 1/2 x 13 1/2 x 5 20 1/2 x 13 1/2 x 5
Carton 25 x 16 11/16 x 7 1/2 25 x 16 11/16 x 7 1/2
Weight (pounds)
Heater 14 13
Shipping 17 16

24
100845
 SERVICE When gas pressure is too low
• pilot will not stay lit
HINTS • burner(s) will have delayed ignition
• heater will not produce specified heat
When gas quality is bad
• pilot will not stay lit
• burner(s) will produce flames and soot
• heater will backfire when lit
You may feel your gas pressure is too low or gas quality is bad. If so, contact your
local natural gas supplier.

REPLACEMENT Note: Use only original replacement parts. This will protect your warranty coverage
for parts replaced under warranty.
PARTS Parts Under Warranty
Contact authorized dealer from whom you purchased this product. If they cannot
supply original replacement part(s), call DESA International’s Technical Service
Department at 1-800-323-5190 for referral information.
When contacting your dealer or DESA International, have ready:
• your name
• your address
• model number of your heater
• how heater was malfunctioning
• type of gas used (propane or natural gas)
• purchase date
Usually, we will ask you to return the defective part to the factory.
Parts Not Under Warranty
Contact authorized dealers of this product. If they cannot supply original replace-
ment part(s), call DESA International’s Parts Department at 1-800-972-7879 for
information.
When calling DESA International, have ready:
• model number of your heater
• the replacement part number

SERVICE You can purchase a service manual from the address listed on the back page of this
manual. Send a check for $5.00 payable to DESA International.
PUBLICATIONS

ACCESSORY Purchase this heater accessory from your local dealer. If they cannot supply this
accessory, call DESA International’s Parts Department at 1-800-972-7879 for
information. You can also write to the address listed on
the back page of this manual.

MANUAL SHUTOFF
VALVE - GA5010
Manual shutoff valve with 1/8"
NPT tap.
25
100845
 PARTS LIST This list contains replaceable parts used in your heater. When ordering parts, follow
VN6B the instructions listed under Replacement Parts on page 25 of this manual.
KEY PART KEY PART
NO. NUMBER DESCRIPTION QTY. NO. NUMBER DESCRIPTION QTY.
1 098304-01 Screw, #10 x 3/8" 2 14 099057-01 Pressure Tap Fitting 1
2 099467-01 Front Panel Assembly 1 15 098276-01 1/8 Pipe Plug 1
3 099318-03 Grill Guard 1 16 099468-04 Cabinet Assembly 1
4 098342-01 Grill Guard Clip 2 17 099415-01 Gas Regulator 1
5 099469-01 Reflector Assembly 1 18 098303-02 Screw, #6 x 5/16" 2
6 M15823-37 Screw Hex #8 x 1/4" 9 19 098508-01 Valve Retainer Nut 1
7 503329 ODS/Pilot Assembly 1 20 099393-01 Control Knob 1
7-1 098514-01 Thermocouple 1 21 M11084-26 Screw, #10 x 3/8" 2
7-2 098594-01 Ignitor Electrode 1 22 099818-01 Internal Tooth Washer 1
8 099884-01 Burner Assembly 1 23 097159-02 Piezo Ignitor 1
9 099056-04 Injector 1 24 098271-03 Ignitor Cable 1
10 099390-01 Tubing - Valve to burner 1
11 099387-05 Pilot Tubing - Valve to pilot 1 PARTS AVAILABLE - NOT SHOWN
12 099391-02 Tubing - Regulator to valve 1
13 100829-01 Control Valve 1 099395-01 Control Position Label 1

23

ILLUSTRATED 20
19
PARTS 16 22

BREAKDOWN HEATER EXPLODED VIEW

VN6B
24

7
18
6
21 17

24
13
5
14
6
11
3
10
15

7-1
7-2
9
12
2

1
ODS/PILOT

GRHVP5B GRHpv013.V

26
100845
 PARTS LIST This list contains replaceable parts used in your heater. When ordering parts, follow
the instructions listed under Replacement Parts on page 25 of this manual.
VN12A
KEY PART KEY PART
NO. NUMBER DESCRIPTION QTY. NO. NUMBER DESCRIPTION QTY.
1 098304-01 Screw, #10 x 3/8" 2 14 100432-01 Control Valve 1
2 099467-01 Front Panel Assembly 1 15 099057-01 Pressure Tap Fitting 1
3 099318-03 Grill Guard 1 16 098276-01 1/8 Pipe Plug 1
4 098342-01 Grill Guard Clip 2 17 099468-05 Cabinet Assembly 1
5 099469-02 Reflector Assembly 1 18 099415-01 Gas Regulator 1
6 M15823-37 Screw Hex #8 x 1/4" 10 19 098303-02 Screw, #6 x 5/16" 2
7 503329 ODS/Pilot Assembly 1 20 098508-01 Valve Retainer Nut 1
7-1 098514-01 Thermocouple 1 21 099393-01 Control Knob 1
7-2 098594-01 Ignitor Electrode 1 22 M11084-26 Screw, #10 x 3/8" 2
8 099884-02 Burner Assembly 1 23 099818-01 Internal Tooth Washer 1
9 099056-04 Injector 2 24 097159-02 Piezo Ignitor 1
10 099390-02 Tubing - Valve to plaque A 1 25 098271-03 Ignitor Cable 1
11 099387-05 Pilot Tubing - Valve to pilot 1
12 099392-01 Tubing - Valve to plaque B PARTS AVAILABLE - NOT SHOWN
13 099391-02 Tubing - Regulator to valve 1 099395-02 Control Position Label 1
14 100432-01 Control Valve 1
24
17
21
ILLUSTRATED 20
23
PARTS
BREAKDOWN HEATER EXPLODED VIEW 25
VN12A

A
7 B
19
6
22 18
25

14
5
15
6
3 11

10
16

7-1
7-2
9
13
2
9
12

1
ODS/PILOT

GRH/VP's & VN's 2-PLAQUE

27
100845
 WARRANTY INFORMATION
KEEP THIS WARRANTY

Model

Serial No.

Date Purchased

Always specify model and serial numbers when communicating with the factory.
We reserve the right to amend these specifications at any time without notice. The only warranty applicable is our
standard written warranty. We make no other warranty, expressed or implied.

LIMITED WARRANTY
VANGUARD VENT-FREE RESIDENTIAL GAS HEATERS
DESA International warrants this product and any parts thereof, to be free from defects in material and
workmanship for two years from the date of first purchase, provided that the product has been properly
installed, operated, and maintained in accordance with all applicable instructions. To make a claim under this
warranty, the bill of sales or proof of purchase must be presented.
This warranty is extended only to the original retail purchaser. This warranty covers only the cost of parts and
labor required to restore this heater to proper operating condition. Warranty parts must be obtained through
authorized dealers of this product and/or DESA International who will provide original factory replacement
parts. Failure to use original factory replacement parts voids this warranty. The heater must be installed by a
qualified installer in accordance with all local codes and instructions furnished with the unit.
This warranty does not apply to parts that are not in original condition because of normal wear and tear, or
parts that fail or become damaged as a result of misuse, accidents, lack of proper maintenance, alteration,
tampering, contaminated fuels, or defects caused by improper installation. Travel, transportation, and incidental
costs associated with warranty repairs are not reimbursable under this warranty and are the responsibility of the
owner.
To the full extent allowed by the law of the jurisdiction that governs the sale of the product: this express
warranty excludes any and all other expressed warranties and limits the duration of any and all implied
warranties, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose to two years from the
date of first purchase: and DESA International’s liability is hereby limited to the purchase price of the product
and DESA International shall not be liable for any other damages whatsoever including indirect, incidental, or
consequential damages.
Some states do not allow a limitation of how long an implied warranty lasts or an exclusion or limitation of
incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation of implied warranties, or exclusion, or limitation
of damages may not apply to you.
This warranty provides the original retail purchaser with specific legal rights. For specific information regard-
ing those rights, please consult the applicable state laws.

2701 Industrial Drive

P.O. Box 90004 100845-01
Bowling Green, KY 42102-9004 REV. C
5/94